CBD for Pets available in Canada: Benefits, Research Update

Considering Giving your Pet CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) has long been a popular topic among pet owners seeking natural remedies for their pets’ health issues. This blog post revisits the issue with an updated overview of CBD and related cannabinoids for pets.  We’ll be focusing on their potential benefits, the latest supporting research, and clarify the differences between hemp and cannabis-derived products. We’ll review the best CBD formulations, Canadian vendor options, safe dosage, and veterinary guidance.

How Does It Work in Pets?

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found primarily in the flowers, stems, and leaves of the hemp (Cannabis sativa) plant. Unlike THC, it does not cause a “high” in pets or humans. It acts on the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate sleep, appetite, pain sensation, immune responses, and mood in both people and animals[1].

Therapeutic Benefits  for Pets

Emerging research and anecdotal evidence suggest CBD may help with various pet health issues, including:

• Pain and Inflammation: Especially osteoarthritis, joint pain, and mobility issues. Studies from Cornell University and others found significant reductions in pain and increased activity in dogs with arthritis after CBD supplementation[2][1].
• Anxiety and Stress: Dogs given CBD chews before stressful events showed decreased anxiety-related behaviors in controlled studies. Other trials showed reduced cortisol (a stress hormone) in dogs exposed to stressful scenarios[3][4].
• Seizures and Epilepsy: Clinical trials revealed that up to 89% of dogs experienced fewer seizures after receiving CBD oil[2].
• Appetite Stimulation and Nausea Relief: Useful for pets with chronic illness or those undergoing treatments, as CBD appears to aid appetite and soothe nausea[5].
• Behavioral Issues: Promising results have been reported for issues like separation anxiety and noise phobias[6].
• General Wellness: Some owners use CBD for aging pets or as a supportive therapy when conventional treatments fall short[7].

It’s important to note that while research shows positive results, the field is still evolving, and more studies are underway to better understand long-term safety and effectiveness[2][7]. Most side effects are mild (such as drowsiness), but liver enzyme changes and interactions with other medications are possible, highlighting the need for veterinary consultation[8].

Recent Research Evidence

• Cornell University (2018, 2021): CBD supplementation significantly decreased pain and improved mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis[2][1].
• Colorado State University (2019): Demonstrated seizure reduction in dogs administered CBD oil[2].
• 2024 Studies: Daily doses up to 4mg/kg were well tolerated by healthy dogs, with no adverse health effects. Research continues into optimal dosing and long-term effects[7][4].

CBD vs. Hemp Oil: What’s Best for Pets?

Pet CBD Oil:

• Extracted from the plant’s flowers, leaves, and stalks—parts with high CBD content.
• Formulated specifically to include measurable, safe levels of cannabidiol.
• Intended to support issues like pain, anxiety, or seizures by interacting with the endocannabinoid system[9][10].

Hemp Seed Oil:

• Extracted from hemp seeds and contains minimal to no CBD or THC.
• Rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that promote healthy skin, coat, and immune function.
• Best used as a nutritional supplement, not for targeted endocannabinoid support[9][10].

Cannabis-Derived CBD may contain higher THC levels, which are toxic to pets. For safety, always choose pet-specific CBD hemp oil that is THC-free or contains less than 0.3% THC, and ensure products are third-party lab tested[11][12].

Best Formulations for Pets

Pet-specific CBD products come in various forms:

• Tinctures/Oils: Most versatile for dosage adjustment. Often blended with carrier oils like MCT, wild salmon, or other pet-safe oils for taste and added benefits[12].
• Edible Treats: Convenient but may have less accurate dosing due to processing.
• Topicals: Used for targeted areas (e.g., skin irritation or localized pain).

Always select products that are:

• THC-free or low-THC (<0.3%)
• Third-party lab tested
• Specifically formulated for pets (avoid artificial flavorings or preservatives)

BuyMellow pet formulations derived from Hemp oil

Our PET + Hemp line of CBD products for pets, offers a variety of formulations and strengths suitable for you dog or cat.

Note: Always review vendor certifications and lab results, and consult your veterinarian before purchase.

Dosage Guidelines for CBD in Pets

Dosing depends on the pet’s weight, condition, and CBD concentration. Current research and expert consensus suggest:

• Starting dose: 1–2.5mg/kg of body weight, twice daily for pets[15].
• Typical doses: Range from 0.05mg/kg (minimum) up to 4mg/kg/day in clinical trials.
• Practical guideline: 2mg for every 10lb (4.5kg) of body weight.
• Adjust gradually: Start low and increase if needed, monitoring for side effects.

Always confirm with your veterinarian for the most appropriate regimen, especially if your pet is on other medications, as CBD can interact with liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism[8].

Veterinary Recommendations and Regulations in Canada

• Veterinarians in Canada cannot legally prescribe CBD but can discuss its use and advise on product quality, safety, and dosing[15].
• Leading organizations, such as the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine, recommend cautious use of pet-specific, lab-tested products, starting with low doses and close monitoring[15].
• Key tip: Discuss CBD use with your veterinarian before starting to avoid potential complications, especially if your pet takes other medications or has ongoing health issues[8][18].

Key Takeaways

• CBD shows promise for pain, anxiety, seizures, inflammation, and general wellness in pets, but it’s not a substitute for veterinary care.
• Research supports benefits, but always select pet-specific hemp-derived CBD, avoiding cannabis oils that may contain THC.
• Choose reputable, Canadian vendors with transparent lab testing.
• Start with a low dose, increase gradually as needed, and always consult your vet for the best, safest results.

By consulting with your veterinarian and choosing quality CBD products, you can help support your pet’s overall health and well-being in a safe, informed way.  Be sure to shop buymellow.com for our Pet Friendly formulations made specifically for you pet that use hemp oil.

 

Sources

 

[1] CBD Oil For Dogs: 6 Benefits You Didn’t Know https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/cbd-oil-for-dogs/
[2] Cannabidiol (CBD) for Pets | Pros, Cons, Debate, … https://www.britannica.com/procon/cannabidiol-CBD-for-pets-debate
[3] CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/cbd-what-you-need-know-about-its-uses-and-efficacy
[4] Daily dosing of cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates a positive … https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/doi/10.1093/jas/skad414/7582589
[5] CBD Oil for Dogs: What to Know https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/cbd-oil-for-dogs-what-to-know
[6] Pros and Cons of CBD for Pets https://thevets.com/resources/pet-health-care/pet-cbd-pros-cons/
[7] CBD for pets: navigating quality assurance, safety … https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11755934/
[8] CBD Oil for Dogs https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/CBD-oil-for-dogs
[9] Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Pets: What’s the Difference? https://www.honestpaws.com/blogs/cbd/hemp-vs-cbd-oil-for-dogs
[10] Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Dogs: What Pet Owners Need to … https://www.pawcbd.com/blogs/posts/hemp-oil-vs-cbd-oil-for-dogs-what-pet-owners-need-to-know-in-2025
[11] Organic CBD Oil For Dogs Canada – BuyMellow – https://buymellow.com/product-category/pets/
[12] FAQ – Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine https://www.cavcm.com/faq
[13] Cannabis, CBD, and Your Pets | South Surrey Veterinary Hospital https://southsurreyvethospital.ca/news/cannabis-cbd-and-your-pets
[14] CBD Oil For Dogs: What You Need To Know https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
[15] CBD for Pets: What to Know Before Giving Your Dog CBD https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/cbd-for-dogs